Royce Keys made his WWE debut all the way back at the Royal Rumble when he was a surprise entrant after leaving AEW. Since then, Keys has been missing on WWE TV. Fans have been clamoring to see the big man again and while he has had dark matches for the live crowd before SmackDown events, we’ve yet to see Royce on weekly television, until now.

Royce Keys SmackDown Debut

It was announced on Thursday that Royce Keys would be making his SmackDown debut, but an opponent was un-named at that time. But, when the match came around, it was Berto, one half of Los Garza, who stepped up. The man appropriately nicknamed “The Monstar” made his debut in successful faction. While Berto did get some offense in, and even landed a sweet missile drop kick, it was ultimately a devastating spine-buster that landed the win for Royce Keys.

Nasty spinebuster from The MONSTAR gets the win!

Royce Keys has a successful #SmackDown debut! pic.twitter.com/HxJwGYy9Wt

— BODYSLAM.NET | WWE & AEW Wrestling News (@BodyslamNet) April 11, 2026

Royce Keys was later interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley, but was quickly interrupted by Solo Sikoa. Sikoa let Keys know that he “runs” SmackDown, and if Royce Keys ever needs anything, his door is always open. Royce left the conversation with a smile.

Solo tells Royce that he “runs things” on #SmackDown and if there’s anything that he needs, his door is always open. pic.twitter.com/SwuMTcdnlX

— BODYSLAM.NET | WWE & AEW Wrestling News (@BodyslamNet) April 11, 2026

Royce Keys was formerly known as “Powerhouse Hobbs” in All Elite Wrestling, and was a former Trios and FTW Champion before leaving the company and joining WWE late last year. Keys is looking to make an impact in WWE.

Stay tuned for more SmackDown coverage.